Newcastle United must sign Conor Gallagher if Frenkie de Jong moves to Chelsea this summer, according to former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan.

The Lowdown: Gallagher linked with move

The Magpies have picked up four points from their opening two Premier League games this season but their summer spending may not be over yet.

Eddie Howe will be looking at reinforcements to make his squad even more formidable and they have been linked with a loan move Gallagher this summer.

The Englishman could be allowed to leave Chelsea on loan, with first-team opportunities potentially hard to come by under Thomas Tuchel this season.

The Latest: Pundit talks up signing

Speaking to Football Insider, Whelan claimed Newcastle should move for Gallagher, especially if Barcelona man De Jong joins Chelsea in the coming weeks:

"I think it’ll rest on Frenkie de Jong. If he comes in, I think Gallagher will be allowed to leave Chelsea on loan again. Newcastle aren’t going to get Maddison, so where do they turn to? Conor Gallagher. We know he’s a real talent.

"He’s a similar player in that midfield role, very creative, scores goals, assists – but Newcastle won’t be held to ransom. Gallagher is ready and waiting, he’s fit, he’s proved he can do it in the Premier League - it’s a no-brainer, for me.

"If they manage to get him, that will definitely help the front line out with his forward thinking and creativity."

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The Verdict: Great loan option

Gallagher was outstanding on loan at Crystal Palace last season, scoring eight goals and registering three assists in the league, leading to his call-up to the England setup. He has been hailed as 'outstanding' by Tuchel in the past, which is high praise from such a renowned manager.

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The 23-year-old could be a similarly brilliant signing for Newcastle, bringing technical quality and an incredible work ethic, as highlighted by an average of two tackles per game for Palace in 2021/22.

Gallagher has the quality to take the Magpies' midfield up another gear, and there could even be the possibility that a temporary move becomes permanent eventually.